How to create a CNAME record in your hosting account with DirectAdmin ✅

If you have web hosting at Bacan and need a subdomain to point to another domain or external service (e.g. blog.mydomain.com → externalservice.com), creating a CNAME record with DirectAdmin is the solution.

Step by step to create a CNAME record

1. Access the DirectAdmin panel

Log in to your DirectAdmin URL, usually https://yourserver:2222 or via the link provided by Bacan.
Enter your username and password.
Make sure you're on the correct domain (if you have more than one).

2. Navigate to "DNS Management"

In the main menu, look for something like Account Manager → DNS Management.
Click to see the list of DNS records for your domain.

3. Add a new record

Click the "Add Record" button or similar.
In the form that appears:
1. In Record Type, select CNAME.
2. In Name, enter the subdomain you want to use. Example: blog for blog.mydomain.com.
3. In Value (or "Destination"), enter the domain it should point to. Example: externalservice.com. (note the trailing dot in many cases).
4. You can usually leave the TTL at the default or adjust it (e.g. 14400 seconds).
Finally, click Add or Save for the record to be applied.

4. Verify it was added

You'll see the record in the DNS list with type CNAME, name and corresponding value.
Keep in mind it may take a while to propagate (normally up to 24–48 hours, though usually less).

5. Check that it works

Use a DNS check tool (e.g. dnschecker.org) to verify that the subdomain really points to the value you defined.
Make sure there are no conflicting records for that subdomain (e.g. an A Record and a CNAME for the same name, or a CNAME at the root domain — this can cause problems).

Useful tips to avoid errors

When specifying the CNAME value (destination), in many panels it's advisable to add a trailing dot: externalservice.com. to prevent your domain name from being automatically appended.
Don't use a CNAME for the root domain (e.g. mydomain.com). CNAMEs should be used for subdomains (e.g. blog.mydomain.com).
If an A, AAAA or MX record already exists for that subdomain, remove or modify it before creating the CNAME as they can conflict.
Be patient — DNS changes can take time to propagate across the network, especially if the previous TTL was high.

In summary

Creating a CNAME record in DirectAdmin is straightforward if you follow the steps: access the panel, go to DNS Management, add the CNAME record with the appropriate name and value, save it, and wait for propagation. At Bacan we're here to help if you get stuck at any step.